Iraq initiates provincial council revitalization

BAGHDAD, December 16– After nearly a decade, Iraq is poised to conduct provincial council elections.

Provincial councils, each comprising at least 12 members, play a pivotal role in budget allocation for sectors such as transport, education, and health. Constitutionally endowed with expansive administrative and financial powers, these councils operate independently, free from the authority of any ministry.

Positioned as a cornerstone of decentralization system, provincial councils serve as the legislative and supervisory authority for each province, possessing the capacity to enact laws tailored to the special needs of their respective regions.

The number of seats in the 15 Iraqi provincial councils is mandated to exceed 12, with an additional seat allotted for every province when acquiring a seat exceeds 200,000 people.

As per the 2019 records from the Iraqi Ministry of Planning, the councils collectively comprise 275 members. In adherence to the Iraqi constitution, 25% of these seats are reserved for women, with quota seat allocations determined for minorities.